Midiator lets you use a PS2 controller as a MIDI controller

We've seen plenty of attempts to use game console hardware as MIDI controllers, but they've usually involved complicated hacks and strange software kludges, so we're pretty curious to see if Curious Inventor's Midiator actually works as promised. The nondescript black box is supposed to map virtually any PS2 controller -- including wireless models and partial support for Guitar Hero axes -- to various standard MIDI controls, including use of the analog sticks as pitch bends and modulators. Not only that, but if you don't feel like buying the assembled kit for $79, you can get the schematics for free, and if you're handy with a soldering iron, you can even earn some cash by adding requested features like pressure-sensitivity and direct USB support to the unit. Check it all out at the read link, and make sure to cruise past the break for the sweet demo video.

[Via MAKE]

[Warrenmalone @ May 20th 2008 12:24PM]

So what you are saying is i can use a PS2 GH remote as a MIDI controller!?

[Mike @ May 20th 2008 1:17PM]

I think what they're saying is that the future of midi music will come from professional ps2/gh controller users :)

I'd love to see if someone would code in support for sixaxis lol make it really crazy then :D

[chefgon_ign @ May 20th 2008 12:39PM]

There is something seriously wrong with that PS2 controller.

[Ray @ May 20th 2008 1:25PM]

My thoughts exactly. Maybe it's a chunky wireless model or just attack of the Chinese 3rd parties.

[Mam00th @ May 20th 2008 2:26PM]

is it me or I don't see any cable comming from the controller

[fieldcar @ May 20th 2008 1:17PM]

You've been able to do this on FL Studio since Fruity Loops 4.0 which was released quite a while ago in case anyone wanted to know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BszePGZsl7k

[kiyoshi @ May 20th 2008 1:35PM]

now...

think about DMX LIGHTING CONTROL via PS2>MIDIATOR>MIDI>DMX!

[Scott@CuriousInventor @ May 20th 2008 2:23PM]

We're working on a new video that will show it driving more non-computer MIDI devices. Agreed, the PS2 to USB adapter is the cheaper route for Fruity Loops, Max/MSP and PureData.

[madgamer @ May 20th 2008 2:36PM]

You can do this without any kind of adaptor if you just buy a wired xbox 360 controler. They just plug straight into your computer with USB and you map them to whatever you want, just like in the vid. Even the analog triggers and sticks work. I've done it before with ableton and FL and can verify that it works.

[madgamer @ May 20th 2008 2:39PM]

I guess I should mention that this is different, as you could use it with other gear like a hardware synth or something, but for the people just looking to hook a controler to their computer, the above still stands.

[Jeff @ May 27th 2008 3:21PM]

Umm, maybe it's just me, but wouldn't it be much easier and cheaper just to buy a USB gamepad?

[TavisJohn @ May 20th 2008 1:47PM]

Or one of those PS2 to USB adapters to use a PS2 controller with your PC/Mac?